Safety should always be a top priority when car shopping. Fortunately, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) takes the guesswork out of vehicle safety ratings with their extensive crash testing. As IIHS standards evolve, more models are achieving the coveted Top Safety Pick+ status, reflecting car manufacturers’ commitment to designing vehicles that excel in crash tests. Plus, we’ve also included links to Consumer Reports reviews for each model. These are the safest new cars, trucks, and SUVs for 2024.
The Safest Sedans
According to the most recent IIHS safety tests, these are the safest cars you can buy today. All of the following sedans earned the highest safety rating of Top Safety Pick+ in testing conducted in 2023 for 2023-2024 model year vehicles.
Subaru Impreza
Starting MSRP: $22,995
CR Overall Score: In Testing
Why it’s great: This time-tested compact car is known for standard all-wheel drive, and is a big hit in the car tuning scene. For 2024, the redesigned Impreza is available exclusively as a hatchback for the first time ever.
Flaws and Shortcomings: The Impreza is perfect for small car lovers, and there are fewer and fewer of those these days. It doesn’t get the great fuel economy that you’d expect from a compact car. Due to the standard AWD, the Impreza averages 29 miles per gallon in combined driving.
Browse Impreza listings with the power of local market data.
Honda Accord
Starting MSRP: $27,895
CR Overall Score: 80
Why it’s great: The Accord has been a best seller for decades, but the recent refresh has taken this sedan to a whole new level. With better styling both inside and out, the 2024 Accord is simply great.
Flaws and Shortcomings: The Accord’s chief competition has always been the Toyota Camry. The Camry’s MSRP starts at $1,400 less than the Accord. If you’re pinching pennies, the Camry may sway you with savings.
Browse Accord listings with the power of local market data.
Subaru Outback
Starting MSRP: $28,895
CR Overall Score: 79
Why it’s great: For those who live in colder climates, the Outback is an all-around great choice. All-wheel drive aside, the Outback offers a spacious cabin, modern tech, and improved looks. That’s all on top of 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
Flaws and Shortcomings: If fuel economy (and emissions) is a factor in your car buying decision making, the Outback loses its appeal with just 28 miles per gallon in combined driving. Inventory is slim as is expected from Subaru, so finding a certain trim and color combo may be difficult.
Browse Outback listings with the power of local market data.
Toyota Prius
Starting MSRP: $27,650
CR Overall Score: 80
Why it’s great: The 2024-2024 Toyota Prius is a gamechanger. The image above speaks for itself. With phenomenal styling and an EPA-rated 57 miles per gallon, the reimagined Prius has come a very long way over the past two decades.
Flaws and Shortcomings: Today’s drivers are all too accustomed to crossovers and SUVs. The Prius is a small hatchback, and lacks the interior space and all-terrain capabilities of its larger cousins.
Browse Prius listings with the power of local market data.
Toyota Camry
Starting MSRP: $26,420
CR Overall Score: 82
Why it’s great: Drivers love the Toyota Camry for its exceptional reliability and comfortable ride, making it a dependable and enjoyable car for everyday use. Its reputation for longevity, practicality, and affordability has endeared it to a wide range of drivers.
Flaws and Shortcomings: The Toyota Camry has a conservative design and a dated infotainment system, which are some of its flaws. Its base engine offers great fuel economy, but unexciting performance. In 2025, the Camry will be sold strictly as a hybrid.
Browse Camry listings with the power of local market data.
Hyundai IONIQ 6
Starting MSRP: $42,450
CR Overall Score: 81
Why it’s great: The IONIQ 6 is the fastest-charging electric car on sale today for under $50,000. Hyundai’s eGMP electric platform enables the IONIQ 6 to add 250 miles of range in 18 minutes in ideal conditions.
Flaws and Shortcomings: There’s really only one big flaw, unless you’re not a fan of the styling. The IONIQ 6 does not qualify for the federal EV tax credit in the United States. The IONIQ 6’s main competitor, the Tesla Model 3, does qualify.
Browse IONIQ 6 listings with the power of local market data.
See the complete list of Top Safety Pick+ rated sedans at Consumer Reports.
The Safest SUVs
According to the most recent IIHS safety tests, these are the safest SUVs you can buy today. All of the following models earned the highest safety rating of Top Safety Pick+ in testing conducted in 2023, for 2023-2024 model year vehicles.
All of the following SUV models earned a perfect score in each category of the IIHS’ safety testing.
Kia Telluride
Starting MSRP: $35,990
CR Overall Score: 87
Why it’s great: The Kia Telluride, introduced in 2020, has gained popularity in the highly competitive SUV market for several reasons. It offers a spacious interior, appealing design, advanced technology features, all at a competitive price point. Despite its size, the Telluride drives like a smaller crossover, providing easy maneuverability in various driving conditions.
Flaws and Shortcomings: Compromises come at a cost. The Telluride doesn’t offer the spaciousness of a full-size SUV, nor the fuel economy of a compact SUV, but it’s a happy middle ground for most family haulers.
Browse Telluride listings with the power of local market data.
Lexus RX
Starting MSRP: $49,950
CR Overall Score: 81
Why it’s great: The recently redesigned RX delivers a relaxed ride, a luxury cabin for the price, and great reliability.
Flaws and Shortcomings: The Lexus RX makes a lot more sense closer to its base MSRP. Once you’re looking at higher trim RX options, it becomes tougher to justify paying $60,000+ for what is essentially a premium Toyota.
Browse Lexus RX listings with the power of local market data.
Lexus NX
Starting MSRP: $40,605
CR Overall Score: 77
Why it’s great: Safety, reliability, and affordable luxury characterize the popularity of the Lexus NX. A highly-acclaimed plug-in hybrid option is now available for those wanting to test the waters before committing to an EV.
Flaws and Shortcomings: This is a relatively compact SUV. If you’re looking for an abundance of passenger and cargo volume, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Browse Lexus NX listings with the power of local market data.
Lexus UX
Starting MSRP: $36,690
CR Overall Score: 75
Why it’s great: The UX is Lexus’ entry-level luxury compact SUV. It’s fuel efficient, reliable, and safe, and starts well under $40,000. The UX comes standard with a hybrid powertrain that’s good for 42 miles per gallon in combined driving.
Flaws and Shortcomings: Reviewers agree that the UX is noticeably small, and lacks easy-to-use infotainment.
Browse Lexus UX listings with the power of local market data.
Subaru Ascent
Starting MSRP: $34,195
CR Overall Score: 75
Why it’s great: Subaru’s three-row SUV, the Ascent, boasts impressive all-around performance. Its smooth ride, practical interior, and seamless power delivery have been key factors contributing to its success.
Flaws and Shortcomings: The Ascent really only has two big shortcomings. It drives like a large SUV, and therefore lacks agility. More importantly, it doesn’t score well in the fuel efficiency department with an EPA-rated 22 miles per gallon.
Browse Subaru Ascent listings with the power of local market data.
Subaru Solterra
Starting MSRP: $44,995
CR Overall Score: 75
Why it’s great: Arriving with standard all-wheel drive, the Solterra was engineered in partnership with Toyota. Subaru’s first EV is essentially an electric Crosstrek with a new name.
Flaws and Shortcomings: Charging speed. Range is below average at 227 miles on a charge, but charging is where the Solterra seriously falls short. Charging peaks at 100 kilowatt speeds, meaning that adding 150 miles of driving range will take about an hour at a ‘fast’ charger. Competitors like the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, and Tesla Model Y can do the same in well under 30 minutes. The Hyundai and Kia cost the same as the Solterra, and offer much more if you can do without the Subaru brand.
Browse Subaru Solterra listings with the power of local market data.
See the complete list of Top Safety Pick+ rated SUVs at Consumer Reports.
The Safest Pickup Trucks
Across the board, pickup trucks don’t score as highly on IIHS safety tests. However, these two trucks bucked the trend to earn the honors of Top Safety Pick+ in 2023 testing.
Rivian R1T
Starting MSRP: $73,000
CR Overall Score: 63
Why it’s great: There are few electric trucks on sale as we head into 2024. The Rivian R1T stands out from the legacy OEM competitors with bold, futuristic styling and supreme off road capability.
Flaws and Shortcomings: If you don’t live near a Rivian service center, getting any needed maintenance completed will be a hassle. In order to qualify for the U.S. federal tax credit, the vehicle price must not exceed $80,000. That’s tough to do with the Rivian R1T.
Learn more about the Rivian R1T at Rivian.com.
Toyota Tundra
Starting MSRP: $39,965
CR Overall Score: 61
Why it’s great: The Tundra is the most affordable pickup truck with great reliability ratings. It’s also known for excellent reliability.
Flaws and Shortcomings: While the base MSRP is around $40,000, it’s very difficult to find one on Toyota dealer lots for under $55,000.
Browse Tundra listings with the power of local market data.
Where are the other trucks?! Sadly, no pickup trucks made it to the next tier of ‘Top Safety Pick’. If occupant safety is a priority, it may be wise to reconsider a truck purchase.
See the complete list of truck safety ratings at Consumer Reports.
Free Car Buying Help Is Here
Ready to outsmart the dealerships? Download your 100% free car buying cheat sheets today. From negotiating a deal to leasing a car the smart way, it’s all available for instant download. Get your cheat sheets today!
0 Comments